Scaffold device



Oct. 29, 1963 s. o. cARLsoN 3,108,657

SCAFFOLD DEVICE Filed May 9, 1960 Anven'ozf: Swanomls'on b9 mx? United States Patent O 3,108,657 SCAFFGLD DEVlCE Swan 0. Carlson, Paton, iowa; irma E. Carlson, adminis tratrix of Swan 0. Carlson, deceased, assigner to Stair N Fold Company, a corporation Filed May 9, 1%0, Ser. (No. 27,936 Claims. (Cl. MS2-119) My invention relates to scaffold devices :and more particularly to a scaffold device that is equipped to be adapted to different conditions of use to which it is subjected.

In order to provide a suitable working area, most portable scaifolds must be of substantial width. However, the width required for a proper working area on top of such a scaifold prevents the scaffold from being easily pushed through narrow doorways and other similar passageways. Many times, scaifolds ymust be dismantled to negotiate these openings.

A further shortcoming of the scaifolds known to me is that no provision is made for them to be used on stairways, inclined planes and the like. Thus, special temporary scaffolding must often be employed to adapt the conventional scaffold to such uses.

Therefore, the principal object `of my invention is to provide a scaffold device that can be easily adapted for use on stairways and the like.

A further object of my invention is to provide a scaffold device that can be easily folded to negotiate doorways and the like without requiring complete disassembly.

A further object of my invention is to provide a scaf- 'fold device that can be adapted for use on stairways of different steepness so as to maintain the working surface in a horizontal position.

A still further object of my invention is to provide a scaffold dev-ice that provides the user an adequate measure of safety.

A still further object of my invention is to provide a scaffold device that is economical of manufacture, durable in use, and refined in appearance.

These and other objects will be 'apparent to those skilled in the art.

My invention consists in the construction, arrangements, and combinationrof the various parts of the device, whereby the objects contemplated are attained as hereinafter more fully set forth, specifically pointed `out in my claims, and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which: Y

FIG. l is a perspective View of my device as adapted for use on a stairway;

FIG. 2 is a partial sectional view of my device taken on line 2 2 of FIG. l;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the stair adapter frame of my device; and

FIG. 4 is :a plan view of my device showing its foldring capabilities. t

I have used the numerals 1li to generally designate the end portions of my scaffold device which are comprised of vertical posts 12 and a pluralityV of horizontal crossbars 14. vCrossbars 14 should be uniformly spaced and are usually about twelve inches apart. The end portions can be of welded or other convenient construction. `Caster wheels 15 can be mountedon the tld Patented Oct. 29, 1963 ICC lower ends of posts 12 in any convenient manner. It should be noted that the uppermost crossbars 14 on each end portion are located at a point slightly below the extreme top portions of the posts.

Spaced apart pairs of hinge elements 16, 18, 20 and 22 havevertical bores and are mounted on the inner sides of posts 12 adjacent the upper ends thereof. Similar pairs of hinge elements 2d, 26, 28 and 30, respectively, are located on these same four posts at a point substantially below the aforementioned hinge elements. Pairs of hinge elements 2li and 22 are slightly closer to each other than are pairs 2% and 30. Also, pairs of hinge elements 24 and 26 are closer to each other than pairs of elements 16 and 1S. Braces 32 and 34 extend diagonally between hinge elements 2l) and 24, and 22 and 26, respectively. Each end of braces 32 and 34 has a bearing member 36 which has a vertical bore. The bearing members 3d' are adapted to be movably received between the separate parts of each pair of hinge elements. A pin 38 in adapted to be received -in the registering bores of the hinge elements and bearing members 36 to effect the pivotal connection between the respective braces 32 and 34 and posts. Braces itl and y42, which :are similar to braces 32 and 34, extend between hinge elements 16 and 28i and 13 and 3d, respectively, and are pivotal-ly secured tc the posts 12 in the same manner as were braces 32 and 34. lt should Abe noted that braces 40 and 42 dwell in planes slightly farther from the center of the scafolc than `do braces 32 and 341 to prevent binding therebetween as the width of the scaffold is narrowed in a man ner to be described hereafter.

A frame lllis comprised of vertical posts 45 whicl are spaced apart substantially the same distance las arf posts 12 on end portions 10. Horizontal crossbars 4S Sli and 52 secure posts 46 in parallel position. Crossbar: 48 and 5@ should be spaced apart the same distance a: at least two crossbars 14 on one of the end portions 10 As shown in FIG. 3, brackets 54 comprised `of horizonta portions 55 `and vertical portions S8 extend inwardlj from the ends of crossbar 43. A similar bracket 54j extends inwardly from the center of crossbar 50. Brack ets 5d are adapted to receive one of the crossbars 14 o1 one of the end portions 1@ and bracket 54A is adapter to receive a separate crossbar 14 which is located below the crossbar in brackets 54.

At least the ylower ends of posts d6 are hollow `an slidvably, telescopically receive Vstud shafts 63'. Axiall aligned horizontal holes 62 in stud shafts oil are adapter to register at times with a horizontallhole 64 inthe lowe portions of shafts 6b and pins 63- are adapted to be re ceived by Iholes 64 and one of the holes 62 to hold th shafts till against movement within the posts 46 at timef Friction cups 461 of rubber or the like are mounted o the llower ends of shafts nl).

Holl-ow brace members 'all are pivoted by one of the: ends to posts at a point slightly above crossbar Si This pivotal connection is effected by lmeans of pins 64 Horizont-a1 holes 7l) appear in posts 12 of end portier lll atl a point jus-t above the lowerrnost crossbar 1^ Brace-s 72 having apertures (not shown) in one of the ends can be pivotally connected to v'one end portion l by means of nut and bolt assemblies 714l which areadapt torsecure the braces 72 and posts 12 together when tl apertures inthe ends of the braces register with the holt Y planks 82.

70. The other ends of braces 72 are telescopically received into the ends of brace members y68 as shown in FIG. 1. -Braces 72 can have a plurality of holes 76 which are adapted to register at times with a hole l(not shown) in the outer ends of braces 68 through which pins 78 can extend.

Planks 80 and 82 normally prov-ide the working surface on my scaffold and span the distance between the two end portions and are supported on crossbars 14. I prefer to use planks 82 which have slats 84 secured across their bottom portions adjacent the inward sides of crossbars 14 as shown in FIG. 2. Thus, when a sufficient number of planks 82 are mounted on the scaffold to span the distance across crossbar 14, the scaffold will be prevented from folding as will be described hereafter.

The normal operation of my device is as follows. When on a level surface, my scaffold is supported on caster wheels and is kept in a square condition by The combined effect of the planks bearing against posts 12, along with the slats 84 bearing against crossbars 14 will keep the scaffold from folding as will be described hereafter. When it is desired to move the scaffold through a narrow doorway, the planks 82 can be removed and the end portions 10 can be pivoted with respect to braces 32, 34, 40 and 42 as shown in FIG. 4 to decrease the overall width of the scaffold. The scaffold can then be reassembled after passing through the door .opening by reversing the above steps.

When it is desired to place my `scaffold on a stair or inclined plane, the frame 44 can be mounted in the manner described on one of the end portions 10. Braces 72 can be secured to the opposite end portion 10 in the manner described and pins '78 can be inserted through braces 68 and 72 to secure braces 72 in their extended position. The selection of a proper crossbar 14 to rest in brackets 54 will level the scaffold to the nearest foot of height and the scaffold can then be further leveled by adjusting the telescoped position of stud shafts `60 in the bottoms of posts 46 in the manner described. The rubber friction cups 61 will prevent the scaffold from sliding while in this position. The symmetrical end portions 10 will allow fthe frame 44 to be mounted on either end of the scaffold device.

Thus, from the foregoing, it is seen that my device will accomplish at least all of its stated objectives.

Some changes may be made in the construction and arrangement of my `scaffold device without departing from the real spirit and purpose of my invention, and it is my intention to cover by my claims, `any modified forms of structure or use of mechanical equivalents which may be reasonably included within their scope.

I claim:

l. In a scaffold device, oppositely disposed vertical end portions, brace members connecting said end portions, hinge means pivotally connecting said braces to said end portions, means on said end portions for supporting a plurality of planks therebetween. A frame detachably mounted on one of said end portions, posts on said frame extending below the bottom of the end portion to which it is mounted to elevate said end portion from a supporting surface, said posts being rigidly secured together through said frame whereby each post will be free from displacement by any upward vertical pressure on the lower end of any of .the other of said posts, and bracing means connecting said frame `and lthe other of said end portions.

2. In a scaffold device, oppositely disposed vertical end portions, brace members connecting said end portions, hinge means pivotally connecting said braces to said end portions, means on said end portions for supporting a plurality of planks therebetween, a frame detachably mounted one one of said end portions, posts on said frame extending below the bottom of the end portion to which it is mounted to elevate said end portion from a supporting suface, said posts being rigidly secured together through said frame whereby each post will be free from displacement by any upward vertical pressure on the lower end of any of the other of said posts, means on the bottom ends of said posts for adjustably changing the lengths thereof, and bracing means connecting said frame to the other of said end portions.

3. In a scaffold device, two opposite end portions each comprised of two vertical posts secured together by a plurality of horizontal crossbars, brace members extending between said end portions to normally hold said end portions in parallel positions, means pivotally connecting said braces to said end portions, a frame comprised of two vertical posts and horizontal crossbars therebetween, the spaced apart distance between said crossbars on said rame corresponding to the distance between at least two crossbars on said end portions, brackets extending laterally from at least two crossbars on said frame, two of said crossbars on one of said end portions resting on the brackets on said frame, said vertical posts on said frame extending below said end portion mounted thereon to elevate said end portion from a supporting surface, said posts being rigidly secured together through said frame whereby each post will be free from displacement by any upward vertical pressure on the lower end of any of the other of said posts, means on said brackets to prevent horizontal movement between said frame and said end portion resting on said brackets, and bracing means connecting said frame and the other of said end portions.

4. In a scaffold device, two opposite end portions each comprised of two vertical posts secured :together by a plurality of horizontal crossbars, brace members extending between said end portions to normally hold said end portions in parallel positions, means pivotally connecting said braces to said end portions, a frame comprised of two vertical posts and horizontal crossbars therebetween, the spaced apart distance between said crossbars on said frame corresponding to the distance between at least two crossbars on said end portions, brackets extending laterally from at least 4two crossbars on said frame, two of said crossbars on one of said end portions resting on the brackets on said frame, said vertical posts on said frame extending below said end portion mounted thereon to elevate said end portion from -a supporting surface, said posts being rigidly secured together through said frame whereby each post will be free from displacement by any upward vertical pressure on the lower end of any of the other of said posts, means on the lower ends of said posts to adjust the lengths thereof, means on said brackets to prevent horizontal movement between said frame and said end portion resting on said brackets, and bracing means connecting said frame and the other of said end portions.

5. In a scaffold device, two opposite end portions each comprised of two vertical posts secured together by a plurality of horizontal crossbars, brace members extending between said end portions to normally hold said end portions in parallel positions, means pivotally connecting said braces to said end portions, a frame comprised of two vertical posts and horizontal crossbars therebetween, the spaced apart distance between said crossbars on said frame corresponding to the distance betwegn at least two crossbars on said end portions, brackets extending laterally from at least two crossbars on said frame, two of said crossbars on one of said end portions resting on the brackets on said frame, said vertical posts on said frame extending below said end portion mounted thereon to elevate said end portion from a supporting surface, said posts being rigidly secured together through said frame whereby each post will be free from displacement by any upward vertical pressure on the lower end of any of the other of said posts, telescopic braces extending between and connecting said frame to said other end portion,

I 5 means pivotally securing the respective ends of said telescopic braces to said frame yand said other end portion, and means on said brackets to prevent horizontal movement between said frame and said end portion resting on said brackets. i

References Cited in the iie of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Handy et yal. J-an. 14, 1913 6 Mahaey Nov. 11, 1947 Simpson Sept. 13, 1949 Borgrnan June 12, 1951 'Thomas June 10, 1952 Crosby Feb. 3, 1959 Delp July 28, 1959 FOREIGN PATENTS Australia July 16, 1952 France June 18, 1956 

1. IN A SCAFFOLD DEVICE, OPPOSITELY DISPOSED VERTICAL END PORTIONS, BRACE MEMBERS CONNECTING SAID END PORTIONS, HINGE MEANS PIVOTALLY CONNECTING SAID BRACES TO SAID END PORTIONS, MEANS ON SAID END PORTIONS FOR SUPPORTING A PLURALITY OF PLANKS THEREBETWEEN. A FRAME DETACHABLY MOUNTED ON ONE OF SAID END PORTIONS, POSTS ON SAID FRAME EXTENDING BELOW THE BOTTOM OF THE END PORTION TO WHICH IT IS MOUNTED TO ELEVATE SAID END PORTION FROM A SUPPORTING SURFACE, SAID POSTS BEING RIGIDLY SECURED TOGETHER THROUGH SAID FRAME WHEREBY EACH POST WILL BE FREE FROM DISPLACEMENT BY ANY UPWARD VERTICAL PRESSURE ON THE LOWER END OF ANY OF THE OTHER OF SAID POSTS, AND BRACING MEANS CONNECTING SAID FRAME AND THE OTHER OF SAID END PORTIONS. 